Best of the Year
There are no Winning Ideas Contest topics this month – but don’t let that stop you from joining the conversation and sharing your ideas!
Winning Ideas Contest 2007-2008
Teachers Shared Expertise & Won Up to $100 in Teaching Materials
Whether you’re a beginning teacher or a veteran, we can all benefit from reviewing what we’ve done in the past and looking for new ways to strengthen our teaching skills. Find inspiration and practical ideas to help you make the best use of class time. See the classroom-proven ideas for each of the topics that were selected as Winning Ideas from our monthly contests in the 2007-2008 school year.
You still can contribute ideas on any of the topics from the past year. Post your ideas and pictures on our Winning Ideas message board. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Which Winning Ideas were your favorites and why?
- Did you use any of these Winning Ideas in your classroom and how did they work for you?
Please include the grade you teach and when posting student photos, complete and mail release forms. (PDF)
Don’t forget to check back in to find the dates for the next round of the contest – it will be announced later this summer. In the meantime, find a good book, go undercover and enjoy your time off!
See previous months' Winning Ideas!
Articles
Winning Ideas | Fun competitions, handling distracted kids, and helping the transition to a new grade - these winning ideas will teach you how to wrap up the school year.
Our "Go Green" winners this month showed that many teachers are thinking seriously about the environment and are aware of the consequences of not going green.
Top 5 Ideas for Open House
Winning Ideas |
Many great ideas were shared about how a school's open house can provide opportunities for teachers to gain parents' support --opening doors for a good first impression.
Winning Ideas | Teachers share the books they cannot live without and explain how they incorporate those titles into their curriculum.
Top 5 Thematic Teaching Ideas
Winning Ideas |
Teachers shared their unit plans and tips for teaching with themes such as Winter, Rollercoasters, and Pirates.
Top 5 Ideas for Managing Disruptions
Winning Ideas |
How do you deal with interruptions and keep students on track for learning? Get advice from teachers who have found strategies that work.
Top 5 Ideas for Celebrating a Holiday
Winning Ideas |
Teachers share their Winning Ideas for integrating lessons into a holiday celebration and turning a special occasion into a learning experience.
Top 5 Ideas for Early Finishers
Winning Ideas |
Here are our picks for the best ways to keep students engaged in learning when they complete assignments early.
Winning Ideas | From tempting potential volunteers with treats to using photos to give parents a peek into their child's school day, see how you can make a connection with parents that lasts all year long.
Top 5 Ways to Get to Know Your Students
Winning Ideas |
Original icebreakers, community-building activities that double as assessment opportunities, creative decorating ideas, and more — see how these winners get off to a great start.
Resources
Winning Ideas Contest 2006-2007
See last year's winners! These creative teachers own up to $100 in teaching materials for their contributions. Look at their ideas and be inspired!
